The Story
Plant Bio
Blephilia ciliata, commonly known as downy wood mint, is an upright herbaceous perennial native to eastern and central North America, growing twelve to thirty inches tall. It produces square pubescent stems clad in grey-green downy foliage and topped with distinctive, multi-tiered globular whorls of spotted purple tubular flowers from late spring through mid-summer.
Unlike aggressive running mints, this species forms a tight, well-behaved root system that expands slowly without spreading invasively. The foliage and stems are covered in fine whitish down that releases a soft mint fragrance when crushed.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30"
Width
18"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Mid summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with sharply draining soil.
- Set the plant into the soil so the top of the root crown rests flush with the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly at planting to settle the soil around the roots, then allow the top layer to dry out between waterings.
- Maintain a clear radius of bare soil around the central crown, keeping organic mulches at least two inches away.
Pro Tip
Keep organic bark mulch away from the crown of the plant, as moisture trapped against the stem base reliably causes fatal crown rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure excellent soil drainage, especially over winter.
- Cut dead stems back to basal growth in late winter or early spring.
Don't
- Do not apply thick organic mulch directly against the plant's crown.
- Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soils or applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Downy Wood Mint questions
What zones can Downy Wood Mint grow in?
Downy Wood Mint is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Downy Wood Mint deer resistant?
Yes — Downy Wood Mint is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Downy Wood Mint bloom?
Downy Wood Mint typically blooms in late spring through mid summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Downy Wood Mint need full sun?
Downy Wood Mint does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Downy Wood Mint drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Downy Wood Mint handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Downy Wood Mint with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.